Training Log Archive: jed

Dad and I decided a while ago we wanted to do something mad together while we were so well matched, certainly achieved that. Dead proud of how hard we both pushed ourselves and how supported each other as a team. Hardest thing either of us have ever done. Really special to do it as a Dad and daughter team and lots of people were in awe of this with so many people desperate to know how we did and congratulating us! They said at the start everyone arrives as strangers and goes away as a family and that couldn't be more true. We ended up 1st mixed pair (up to 2nd including male (and female) pairs, only 48secs behind guys in front which obviously irritated us as so many places we could have saved that). 9th/73 overall. I was almost 5hrs quicker than any other women which was pretty cool. It's amazing how some of the most horrible experiences together make one of the best experiences of my life which I won't forget in a long time. Cracking ceilidh with an unreal accordion player to finish.

5am start but almost happy to get up as body in a world of pain (although legs have been worse before). Soaking before the ferry but we were lucky not to have worse weather for the weekend so can't complain. Unfortunately had to go back to the Borders for a course in the evening so 30mins in Jed for food and not back to flat until after 11pm so need to look after myself this week!

C • Sounds amazing! 1

Campsite on Benbecula to Hecla, South Uist. After day 1 we were lying in 3rd place overall in the teams which was a pleasant surprise (annoyingly we could have been winning if we'd got either of the checkpoints on Vallay island!) This meant we got to go off in the chasing start 1 and 2mins behind 1st and 2nd respectively with Paul bigging us up as people from his orienteering club which was nice. The wind luckily hadn't swung round overnight so wasn't in our faces. A few fast solo guys came flying past but in general this was pretty fun and nice way to get going again.

Hecla - 5 checkpoints again with penalties for missing. This scared me as terrain looked very rugged and remote but after yesterday I knew this was our big strength compared to others. We had to be back by 2:30pm but that was our only real cut off today so there was less pressure and it was good for us that people would be punished in time for missing checkpoints as they were stronger cyclists. We had the aim of getting 3, one of which was the biggest penalty so even if we only got 2 the one we were missing was only a small one. We'd also done our homework so new the best route up the mountain which took as past the lower checkpoint. I really enjoyed the climb up and we caught the guys in 2nd and were surprised how good my legs felt. This meant tactics as we knew we had to get more than them but one of their guys was struggling. When we got to the saddle for the first checkpoint we were surprised not to see it but decided there was no point wasting time as we had to come back down that way anyway. The rocky ridge to the top was amazing and we were the first people up there that day so that marshal was happy to see us and had lots of sweets. They said the other one should have been there so we set off back to find it. It still wasn't on the saddle but some guys coming up said they'd already got it lower down so we headed to the lower part. From there we both got very annoyed. We'd checked the saddle twice and the lower wrong one, this wasn't supposed to be fiddly orienteering so it wasn't about finding a wee piece of tape. Saw some others come past obviously still looking too. We went back up the ridge one last time and were met with people who we'd seen on the way up who had already been there so ran down the hill together (turns out it was one of the guys I'd practically lead round second half yesterday). The control was way down of the ridge in a peat bog (not a saddle) at least 500m wrong. Luckily I can see tapes as Dad is colour blind so red tape doesn't stand out. However, despite the faffing we still had lots of time left so decided we could actually go for an extra one and hope the other teams would have been put off. Due to the control being in the wrong place it meant a loss the gain of height and a trudge across a marsh but we used this to take of fuel. We stupidly ended up too high up the ridge and due to control being in wrong place before didn't trust the hanger so checked high too. Only positive was we met a guy coming down of the higher checkpoint who knew what height the checkpoint was at (but had actually forgotten he needed to go to it) so we pulled each other along into it. Had a good chat about how running was our strengths but then told him I sucked at downhill only to run away from him. His navigation wasn't as strong but he tagged in and we all kept each other going. This stopped me moaning so much and as usual I had a sudden burst of energy near the top of the hill towards the trig point checkpoint. Annoying amount of fences between there and the transition which my wobbly legs struggled with but luckily our new pal helped me even when Dad didn't. Back into transition with 30mins to spare today, only 3 bikes left. We were both slightly annoyed as if that control hadn't have been wrong we could have got all 5 but 4 was more than we'd set out for originally and were confident at least one of the teams ahead hadn't done that.

Hecla to Orasaigh Headland. Back on the bikes and into the wind for a bit then the road stopped and it was only a rough track, which really hurt my backside. Our pal caught us up just before here having spent longer at transition but faster on the road section. However our bikes were better on the rough stuff (which turned to sandy paths (deep at times) so we were all together again so had some good chats while still working which passed the time while Dad did all the gate opening as he was faster so could catch up. Had two good falls when my metal dobs I'd chosen to wear for the rocks on the mountains got stick on the pedal so I couldn't get my foot out the straps in time. Naturally our new pal was more concerned than Dad (or I) but I do have some good bruises now. We got to the beach and it was really tough at first but thankfully got better and the tough bits were short. Our pal got away but the views were amazing and kept trying to just keep my legs moving and soon enough we saw the little hill on Orasaigh Headland which had a checkpoint on it. As our pal didn't make too much ground he was in sight which was a good motivator as when we saw him leave his bike to run we knew we would get to soon.

Orasaigh Headland to/from summit from the beach. Includes transition at both ends. Legs struggled off the bike but could tell my running legs were stronger than Dad's and ran all the way. Took on more fuel before back on the bike. Fun little break.

Orasaigh Headland to Kilbride campsite. Last bit along the beach then blast along the road. Head down and pushed as knew I'd never have to go on the bike again for a long long time!

Inc. transition at both ends, dumping bikes, finding GPS, briefing and lifejackets on etc. Half off road/half on road run down to the kayaks. Further than we thought.

Kayak down to Ludag bay just before the causeway to Eriksay including dragging the kayak down to the water and back up from the water. It took us a bit of time to get going as the water was so shallow. Only finally got going when Dad was in the water pushing and jumped in at last minute soaking me. Today was a lot tougher even though the wind was behind us the sea currents were stronger. I had to take a few rests as Dad said I was better doing that as could put in a better effort. Everything was hurting and I was so happy to see the kayak in front disappear towards a bay and then our pal running up the road as I knew that would soon be us. All fine and now it was only running left so I was over the final hurdle and my push hard to the finish instinct kicked in.

The final stage from Ludag back up to Kilbride and up the hill behind the campsite to the red Durty flag (which I spotted on the cycle, kayak and run so knew exactly where I was going). Almost like an arena at the campsite with lots of support each time came past. Although I was hurting I was smiling and the excitement of finishing gave me energy. I ran ahead of Dad to try and shelter him from the wind and led the way up the hill. I reminded him he got a beer when he crossed the line which spurred him on. We could see our pal almost reach the flag but turn the other way which made me worry the punch wasn't there but when I saw him double back and then turn back down the hill I was so happy. He high fived us on the way down and soon we were at the flag to turn too and I chucked myself of the hill for home. Once we got to the road I told Dad I'd keep pushing and just to let me know if I pushed it too far. Apparently we looked really strong coming in. The finish was on the beach, it was an amazing feeling (and Dad got his beer and half of mine).

C • well done... 2

The Heb! Mass start run along the beach from wind turbine at Lioncleit on Benbecula to just past the campsite. Very unnatural start to a race with pace so slow (time includes transition). Writing up each stage in detail for the memories :).

Road cycle to Cladach Chairinis on North Uist. We were pretty high up after the run so the pace was high to start as the strong cyclists took it on. We were on mountain bikes with slicker but still grippy tyres as lots of off road too so couldn't go as fast on these sections. As the weaker cyclist in our team I was hanging on to packs when they came past and probably dug too deep as started feeling sick and when I panic I feel worse (which was not ideal less than an hour in). Unnatural headwind almost all the way and I wasn't my happiest, especially when it was longer than the advertised 17km.

Eaval run, much happier and more towards my comfort zone. Three optional checkpoints to visit including one at the top of Eaval mountain, other two in boggy terrain full of lochs with pretty tricky navigation. We caught people very quickly, I was in charge of the navigation as Dad didn't want to change his glasses and on the way to "A" people were everywhere on different sides of lochs but I stuck to my plans, got into the map and hit control. We were strong up Eaval and realised we hadn't met more than about 4 solo men coming back towards us so I got a boost knowing this section was suiting us. Amazing views from the top. Lots of encouragement coming off the hill from those coming up and through good navigation passed 2 guys ahead (who tried to tell me I'd gone too far before eventually following me into checkpoint). Didn't let them distract me on the long leg home (one sensibly followed me, the other got the wrong side of some big lochs). Surprised how strong I was in the terrain. Successful and no penalties for us, probably my favourite section of the whole weekend.

Cladach Chairinis to Lochmaddy. This section was 100% my least favourite section, I wanted to cry, throw the bike away, curl up in a ball and just generally be as far away from the race as possible multiple times! We had the option of a fully road cycle or taking the walking path of the Hebridean Way for some mountain biking, if chose the former missed two checkpoints so 2hrs of penalties so obviously we went for it. The "2km" split seemed a lot longer so we had to stop and check we hadn't missed it (it was nearer 4km). The path was so wet and marshy it was impossible to ride in places. Even Dad couldn't and he was also getting annoyed as this is when our bikes should have been an advantage. Everyone we could see was pushing, my arms did not enjoy this heaving and lifting my bike at times which wasn't idea with kayaking next. Managed back on at points, only to be almost thrown off again and kept cutting my leg every time I got on. At times I did channel my anger into riding up or across bits I didn't think I could. Came to a road and thought we were almost there so tried to get more positive and eventually saw a second road and some water so thought hell was over it was on to kayak but it wasn't. It was up over a hill, up rock steps, more mud, narrow gate which I couldn't lift my bike through and lots of moaning by me. There was a guy taking photos which I refused to look happy for haha but did realise I must be near the main road. Eventually a road, thought I'd feel happier but my legs had nothing. I had a major bonk and felt we must be close to Lochmaddy but in reality it was almost 10km. Never been more glad to get off the bike but worried about how bad I felt and what was still to come!

Including transition - kayaking around island in the sea close to Lochmaddy, including dragging across a little beach. I literally shoved in as much food as I could while getting life jacket on and was just so happy to be off the bike. Strangely my quads and abs hurt the most and at one point I had my head tucked in and eyes closed just giving what I could.

Lochmaddy to Vallay island, including transition. Dad decided we should swap bikes as his was better. It was one of his plans if I started to struggle compared to him but he didn't realise how much better it was. I even felt pretty strong and managed to take the front a good amount into the constant headwind and work to catch people ahead with the aim of getting to Vallay as quick as possible as we had to leave there by 5pm due to tides but wanted to get as many checkpoints as possible. It seemed never ending and we hadn't dared to remind ourselves how far it was. I eventually got the ruins in sight but had another one of my bonks where I was very close to throwing up, thankfully Active Root sorted me. Off the road and across the sand was amazing but also super tough so just ground it out. Happy to be off the bike again, not enough time to take on food other than jelly babies but checked to see which controls had biggest penalties with aim of getting them as sadly we knew all of them wasn't going to be possible.

Vallay island. In a whole world of pain, getting grumpy. Out towards the northerly point. It was further than I'd have liked and didn't even realise it was Anne from our orienteering club at the checkpoint until I'd punched and turned. Then headed for the other big penalty checkpoint. I ended up having to hand the map over to Dad as I couldn't make decisions and just concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. I slowly got worse and worse, struggling to move and almost doubling over to be sick. I totally broke but didn't want to admit I couldn't go on but finally the tears came. I was angry as I'd let us down but Dad admitted we were probably being stupid. However we were close to another checkpoint so I said I wanted to try that one on the way back, we gave it a go but had to bail for home as time wasn't ticking away and we didn't want to run the risk of being penalised for staying on the island after it wasn't safe to. Left the island at 4:57 with only 2 bikes left. Disappointed to give in but I need to realise this is sometimes ok and we did tried and failed rather than not trying at all.

Vallay back to campsite at Lionacleit on Benbecula. Literally shoveling fuel in while cycling back across the sand. It must have been awful for the people who just had to cycle across and straight back and even worse for those who didn't make it. The longest cycle of the day right at the end wasn't a nice thought. The wind was more of a side wind though which helped a bit. Dad had more tough parts than I did in this section and took a gel when I was feeling a bit rough which perked me up again. Rain came on the causeway between North Uist and Benbecula and it was a real head down and grind it out. I got the windmill we started it in site so as usual once I knew I was close to home I had a final burst of energy. We never seemed to get any closer as we had to avoid lochs and only one road and my heart sank when we were turned off the road down a rough muddy track as memories from the Hebridean Way came flooding back and my backside was in a really bad way. Luckily it was only short but I'm sure the marshal at the end of that track took a lot of abuse. Amazing feeling to finish but the adventure wasn't over yet. The wind was crushing tents so getting warm and refueling wasn't easy. Then it was only lasagne for dinner which isn't ideal for someone who avoids wheat when racing but I just went for it as needed to eat (thankfully got away with it). Somehow despite the tents mess I lay down around 10pm and fell asleep instantly.

Met Dad then traveled to Mallaig. Ferry to Lochboisdale, South Uist (which was pleasant enough for me with amazing sunset and meeting new people but sadly not fun for Dad) then coach to campsite on Benbecula. Tent up and straight to bed.

Time to start saving energy and make sure I'm eating plenty (don't find this easy when resting). Right now excited feeling is overriding nerves!

Inc. between courses.

Knockout sprint training with Laura (and Jonny, Peter and Chris chasing). Evenly matched with Laura but the course suited me slightly better as section of hard running so got a small gap which I lost again when I had some trouble with a gate but made my move at the right time over the last few controls (runners choice but we picked the same).

Much more on my own. Struggled to pick my runners choice and panicked but actually all the guys picked mine so wasn't too bad. Laura got a gap here though so think hers was better though. Great to train in a group, these sessions will really help me especially with confidence.

Inc. drills.

1600m @10km pace (6mins).
2x800m @5km pace (3mins).
2x400m @mile pace (90secs).
2x200m fast (90secs).
Felt better than expected, times hit so all good.